Chateau du Palanquey

Mention the word Bordeaux and even the least knowledgeable wine-lover sits up. This region in south-west France, and centred on the rivers Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne, produces some of the world’s greatest wines, including clarets such as Pomerol and St-Emilion. Staying in one of Bordeaux’s wine hotels is surely the best way to learn, sample and appreciate these heady wines. It’s not all about wine, however. There are walks, bird-watching and the port city of Bordeaux, with its flourish of elegant buildings, modern museums (including, yes, a wine museum) and a revamped dockside, to explore. We’ve picked out some of the best wine hotels in Bordeaux – including chateaux, luxury hotels and those on vineyards.

In the St Emilion region

Chateau de Pitray

  • The fairytale Chateau de Pitray, near St Emilion, with its towers and turrets and creeper-covered pale stone, has just four rooms, elegant with antiques and beautiful garden views. Tours of their small surrounding vineyard can be arranged by the friendly hosts, plus there’s a pool for a refreshing dip.
  • Also with a pool, Le Relais de Franc Mayne is a substantial sandstone house surrounded by its vineyards. Bedrooms are boldly decorated with themes such as Out of Africa and French country house. After dinner in nearby St Emilion, return to a nightcap from the well-stocked cellar.
  • The adults-only Chateau du Palanquey offers just five large and sophisticated rooms that cleverly mix contemporary and vintage pieces. As well as a small spa and outdoor pool, there’s a terrace and gardens plus far-reaching views over vineyards.

In the Margaux region

Chateau Giscours

  • The handsome Chateau Giscours is a classical 19th-century building of pale stone, terraces and large shuttered windows. The three rooms, with their wooden floorboards and floral fabrics, have a country-house feel, plus there’s a beautiful exposed-stone kitchen for hearty breakfasts. The hosts offer vineyard tours and cellar-tastings.

In the Medoc Region

  • The handsome Le Clos de Meyre offers excellent value for money with just eight, light and traditionally furnished rooms. There are wine-tastings of its 300-year-old vineyard, plus a large outdoor pool.

In the Cotes du Bourg Region

Chateau de la Grave

  • Also offering good value for money is Chateau de la Grave, a turreted affair dating back to medieval times. Interiors are cool and colonial in style, some bedrooms with exposed-stone walls, and an effective mix of antiques and more contemporary fabrics. There’s also a pool and glorious views over the surrounding vineyards.

In the Graves and Sauternes regions

La Chartreuse des Eyres

  • For a town-based stay, La Chartreuse des Eyres, in Podensac in the Graves and Sauternes wine regions, is an excellent-value ‘petit chateau’. Interiors are stylishly chic with stripped-wood floors, panelled walls in Farrow and Ball colours, and bold modern art. One room is offered as a self-catering apartment.

Near Bordeaux city

Chateau Grattequina

  • On the banks of the Garonne and just 15 minutes from the centre of Bordeaux (water-taxi available), Chateau Grattequina is a handsome 19th-century chateau with light, contemporary-style rooms. The chateau has a large pool, wide terrace and romantic outside dining.

For a B&B

Le Pavillon

  • In the St Emilion region, the 18th-century manor house of Clos 1906 sets cool, contemporary furnishings against the house’s classical original features. The result is an elegant yet relaxed feel, plus there’s a small pool and garden.
  • On the edge of St Emilion town, Le Pavillon is a luxury B&B in a handsome pale-stone villa. Interiors are cool, light and spacious with a modern country-house feel mixing antiques and contemporary pieces, and all set against pale walls and stripped floorboards.
  • 5 Lasserre is a large country house in the St Emilion area, with contemporary-style rooms set against stripped floorboards and exposed-stone walls. There’s an outdoor pool, dining terrace plus one room can be a self-catering apartment.
  • Also with an outdoor pool, Petit Garros, on the banks of the Dordogne (not far from Libourne) and surrounded by vineyards, offers five charming rooms that mix a rustic feel with antiques and bold splashes of colour.

For foodies

Hostellerie de la Plaisance

  • Hostellerie de la Plaisance, near St Emilion, has a country-house style with elegant public rooms and large bedrooms decorated with comfortable fabrics and classic furniture. It offers superb service but with a relaxed feel, plus there’s a sublime restaurant boasting two Michelin stars, and excellent wine cellar.
  • Surrounded by vineyards, Les Sources de Caudalie near the Gironde, is an indulgent French country-house hotel with a rustic style. Grand public rooms have polished floorboards, antiques and sweeping views, while bedrooms mix contemporary and classical furnishings. There’s also a spa, large indoor pool and a choice of two restaurants, of which La Grand' Vigne has two Michelin stars and is divine!
  • Not far from the coast, Chateau Cordeillans Bages is a beautiful 17th-century manor house surrounded by its own vineyards in Pauillac. Bedrooms are bright and contemporary plus the michelin starred restaurant is unmissable.
  • In the heart of St Emilion, the Logis de la Cadene offers effortlessly French rustic-chic style: rooms with beams, rugs on wooden floors, muted colours, natural fabrics and contemporary lighting. The well-regarded restaurant, one of the oldest in the town, has a team of young, inventive chefs.
  • Just outside St Emilion, and surrounded by vineyards, Chateau Grand Barrail is indeed a grand affair with lavishly draped bedrooms – some with four-poster beds – a beautiful glass-roofed atrium, fine-dining gastronomic restaurant (considered one of the finest in the region), spa, pool and golf.

Still not sure which to book?

The 20 Best Wine Hotels in Bordeaux

Hostellerie de la Plaisance

St Émilion (Saint Emilion)

Gastronomic treats are in store at this luxury five-star country retreat. The interiors exude understated elegance with beautiful furniture, paintings, and neutral tones. The surrounding vineyards produce wonderful wines to go with award-winning cuisine. A spoiling retreat.

  • Foodies - Foodies will enjoy the exquisite food, which has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, and wine inspired by the surrounding produce.
  • Great walks - This old stone monastery boasts lovely gardens for an after dinner stroll.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Monolith church about the Catacombs.
  • Restaurant - Award-winning cuisine
from AU$400 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Relais de Franc Mayne

St Émilion (Saint Emilion)

A sun-soaked sandstone house, set on seven acres of idyllic vineyards. Elegant rooms with individual themes, from Out of Africa to Pop Art. A truly stunning country B&B with lovely natural pool. A wine lovers’ paradise!

  • Country Escape - A gorgeous country house and working winery turned boutique hotel, set on a seven acre vineyard.
  • Sights nearby - Enjoy the Romanesque churches and mediaeval ruins in St-Emilion, walking distance from the hotel.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor Pool
  • Secluded setting
from AU$356 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Château de Pitray

St Émilion (Gardegan)

Picture-book château with a highly-regarded vineyard and friendly hosts. A fairytale chateau with turrets and vineyards. An element of grandeur with high ceilings, stonework, and chandeliers. A glorious B&B with wonderful wines.

  • Country Escape - A whimsical chateau in stunning parklands and vinyards will take you miles away from it all.
  • Great walks - The estate has 200 acres of woodlands, fields and vineyards to be explored.
  • Tennis - Court in nearby Castillon.
  • Swimming Pool - Garden Pool.
from AU$291 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Les Sources de Caudalie

Gironde

A beautiful chateau, vineyard, spa hotel, and Five Star setting. Classical, elegant, and luxurious rooms and suites with a secluded feel. Fantastic French cuisine in two restaurants, a world class wine list, and a unique natural spa set on a hot spring. Wonderfully indulgent.

  • Spa breaks - The chateau is positioned over a natural hot spring and he Caudalie spa is renowned for its trademark vinotherapy treatments.
  • Foodies - Fantastic French cooking. The two Michelin Starred La Grand'Vigne restaurant should not be missed.
  • Good wine list - You'll find some of the world's finest wines in the 1200 strong cellar
  • Garden - Fabulous gardens and vineyards to explore and taste from.
from AU$1068 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Chateau Cordeillan Bages

Pauillac

A beautiful 17th century manor house surrounded by its own vineyards and not far from the coast. Contemporary chic bedrooms and suites, an excellent French restaurant serving cuisine typical of the region, swimming pool, and an extensive wine cellar. Romantic, gourmet, and luxurious.

  • Foodies - Fabulous local cuisine paints a picture of the region. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin Star
  • Wine tasting - This is prime Medoc country, so wine tasting is a must. There is a wine cellar and tasting room on site.
  • Views - Stunning views over the gardens and vineyards.
  • Restaurant - Serves fabulous cuisine using the best local ingredients.
from AU$354 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau Meyre

Castelnau de Medoc (Bordeaux)

A glorious chateau with a working vineyard in the heart of Bordeaux. Traditional and elegant rooms and suites have floral fabrics, lots of natural light, and antique furnishings. Beautiful grounds, pool, and wine tastings. A wonderfully typical way to discover Bordeaux.

  • Foodies - With its own vineyard and enchanting village restaurants around, the chateau is a haven for foodies and wine lovers.
  • Wine tasting - Iin the heart of Medoc, the chateau has been planted with vines for more than three centuries.
  • Good wine list - Fantastic collection from its 300 year old vineyard.
  • Views - Splendid views over the vineyards.
from AU$202 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau Grand Barrail

St Émilion (Gironde)

An opulent chateau just outside Saint-Emilion. Four star luxury, though it feels more, includes lavish bedrooms with four poster beds, a top of the range spa with all the facilities, and a fantastic fine dining restaurant. Bikes, golf, tennis on site. Utterly gourmet, luxurious, and sophisticated.

  • Foodies - Fantastic fine dining restaurant and excellent wine lists.
  • Views - Stunning views over the vines and landscaped gardens.
  • Romantic Break - Opulent rooms have silk drapes and four poster beds.
  • Spa breaks - Top of the range spa facilities.
from AU$342 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
5 Lasserre

St Émilion

Contemporary B&B in St Emilion wine region. Spacious rooms have exposed brick walls, countryside views and large bathrooms; apartment has full kitchen and living spaces. Outdoor pool, gardens and terrace. Massages available. Chic, peaceful and grown up.

  • Country Escape - With only three bedrooms, miles of vineyards, gothic castles nearby and jazz concerts, enjoy getting away from it all here
  • Sights nearby - 12km from Saint Emilion, listed as World Heritage by the Unesco
  • Views
  • Swimming Pool
from AU$219 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau Grattequina

Bordeaux (Blanquefort)

A stunning 19th century Chateau overlooking the Garonne River. Bedrooms are huge with wooden floors, pretty fabrics and large modern bathrooms. Some have private balconies. Local wine and regional cuisine, with a number of large function rooms and a stunning terrace - it is perfect for any event.

  • Romantic Break - A fairytale Château with sumptuous interiors, an abundance of velvet & satin furnishings and balconies overlooking the Garonne.
  • Hotel boats for hire - The hotel operates a taxi boat (complete with wine service) between the property and the centre of Bordeaux.
  • Wine tasting - The Margaux wine commune, probably one of the most famous in France, is just 15 minutes from the hotel.
  • Weddings - The hotel holds many weddings on site and you could hardly find a more perfect spot to tie the knot.
from AU$291 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau de la Grave

Gironde (1 La Grave)

A charming 14th century chateux, surrounded by age-old vineyards, in the heart of Bordeaux . The large, light filled colonial style rooms, boast splendid views of the gardens and plantations. An excellent breakfast is served in the communal dining area. The perfect base for a wine tour.

  • Total relaxation - Relax by the pool, unwind with a game of tennis, or simply chill in your luxurious room with a glass of regional wine.
  • Local exploring - A great base for a wine tasting tour of this famous region's vineyards.
  • Great walks - Explore the region on foot, book a guided tour with the hotel.
  • Swimming Pool - An outdoor pool for guests
from AU$194 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Chateau Giscours

Gironde (Labarde)

Château Giscours is a 19th-century castle with glorious gardens, in the Margaux appellation outside Bordeaux. The property's stone and wooden interiors give it a classically rustic feel. With three large, elegantly decorated rooms this is the perfect option for a quiet country retreat!

  • Country Escape - Forget about all your worries at this tranquil rural spot; wander through vineyards, explore the gardens and sample the wine!
  • Wine tasting - Château Giscours is the perfect holiday destination for those who are interested in the wine industry
  • Learning - The hotel puts on splendid tours of their winemaking facilities, an absolute must!
  • Restaurant - Gourmet dinners are served in the chateau's grand dining room
from AU$210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
La Chartreuse des Eyres

Gironde (Aquitaine)

A beautifully renovated 19th century petit chateau once owned by the Lillet family, just 30 mins south of Bordeaux. Stylish rooms are a charming blend of old and new and the hosts offer a very warm welcome. An intimate stay for exploring the Graves or Sauternes wine regions and the wider area.

  • Local exploring - This is the perfect base for exploring some of Bordeaux's top vineyards in the Graves and Sauternes area.
  • Sights nearby - 30 mins from Bordeaux
from AU$160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Petit Garros

Gironde (Fronsac)

A charming B&B set on the Dordogne river and surrounded by miles of scenic vineyards. Spacious rooms are traditionally dressed with pretty patterned fabrics and have high ceilings and large sash windows. Indulgent breakfasts are served and there's a seasonal outdoor pool too.

  • Country Escape - A tranquil retreat surrounded by a flower-filled garden and acres of vineyards.
  • Great walks - Take long walks in the picturesque Dordogne countryside.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Full of character
from AU$187 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Logis de la Cadene

St Émilion (33330 Saint-Émilion )

A charming hotel, in a medieval square, housing a celebrated restaurant. Elegant rooms are the epitome of french rustic-chic, with distressed wood, muted cream-grey palettes and sash windows. Its wisteria bedecked terrace, floaty pale fabrics and classical furniture create a soft romantic feel.

  • Foodies - Houses one of the oldest restaurants in Saint-Emilion which is now a true institution, with young inventive chefs at the helm
  • Sights nearby - Climb the King’s Keep or the bell tower of the monolithic church for views of the town
  • Designer
  • Romantic
from AU$301 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Château du Palanquey

St Émilion (Gironde)

This beautiful château hotel is nestled in the heart of the Saint Emilion vineyards. Boutique interiors have a blend of modern and vintage design pieces set against preserved heritage details. Indulge in a treatment at the spa after lunch by the pool for total relaxation in a spectacular setting.

  • Spa breaks - With an extensive and luxurious spa onsite and a tranquil countryside setting, book this hotel to unwind on your next holiday
  • Country Escape - Set within beautiful vineyards in the south of France, this hotel makes an idyllic escape to the country
  • Romantic Break - Couples rate this heritage hotel highly; book a couples' massage for a romantic evening in
  • Cooking classes - Take a cooking class at the hotel and learn how to prepare a range of gourmet dishes; enquire with your room reservation
from AU$437 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Pavillon, St Émilion

St Émilion

This luxury B&B is nestled in Saint-Émilion, a wine rich region in southwest France. The lobby of the heritage property features a pretty spiral staircase, leading to well-appointed rooms with comfortable beds and cast-iron baths. Book a vineyard tour and wine tasting for an authentic experience.

  • City Style - Set in a charming heritage townhouse with stylish rooms and a sit-out terrace, this hotel has lots of local Saint-Émilion style
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the relaxed atmosphere at this sophisticated wine hotel; book a couples' wine tasting at a local vineyard
  • Local exploring - Saint-Émilion is a great base for local exploring in the Bordeaux region, offering easy access to the best wineries
  • Sights nearby - Stroll into town and visit the Church of Saint-Émilion, an underground limestone church dating back to the 12th century
from AU$405 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Clos 1906

St Émilion

This hotel is set in an 18th-century manor house nestled between some of the best vineyards in Saint-Émilion. Having undergone a full renovation, the bright guestrooms contrast contemporary concept headboards with selected antiques. A cosy sitting room and outdoor pool complete this chic bolt-hole.

  • Local exploring - Discover the historic sites, wineries and boutiques in the area surrounding the hotel, with plenty to explore locally
  • Foodies - The region where this hotel is located is great for foodies, with a number of Michelin-starred eateries in the area
  • Country Escape - Set amidst the beautiful vineyards of Saint-Émilion, this hotel makes a stylish escape to the country
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion, an underground church carved from limestone starting in the 12th century
from AU$160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Helen Pickles

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